The recriminations over the Wednesday’s CAF elections have started as Senegal Football Federation president Augustin Senghor has resigned as the first Vice-President of the continental football governing body.
Senghor, a highly respected and leading member of the African football family with his own mind, quit the post on Wednesday immediately after losing the election to become a FIFA Council member.
The undertones of his resignation was clearly focused on sitting back clearly over what is perceived to be the ‘arrangement of votes’ at the 14th CAF Extraordinary General Assembly in Cairo, Egypt.
Disappointed in what has been seen by many as the betrayal of loyalties that was formed to ensure CAF President Patrice Motsepe came to power four years ago, the decision to form another group looks to have forced Senghor’s hands.
Senghor managed only 13 votes in the elections on Wednesday and took the loss as an undeniable indication that he is no longer worthy of the vice-presidency despite having two more years left on the CAF Executive Committee.
“There is a logic and coherence to be respected, and I have always been keen to be coherent in my commitments. From the day the regular members were elected, I am once again becoming a simple member of the executive committee,” Senghor stated.
Although he continues in office as a CAF Executive Committee member through 2027, he felt he needed to step down.
“We now have to wish them good luck. For us, we will certainly pay a price. At any rate, the immediate price, in my view, is that, in this context, I do not see myself holding the role of first vice-president,” he added.
His resignation reflects his commitment to principles over prestige. He remains dedicated to African football’s development, now focusing entirely on his CAF Executive Committee role.
